Book Club

This summer I decided to try and get some good reading in and I am happy to say that I managed to make my way through two rather large novels written by Francine Rivers. The first book was called "Her Mothers Hope" and the second part of the two book series was "Her Daughters Dream".  I have to say that I really enjoyed both books, and more than that it really gave me a few things to think about.
Often in life we don't understand what makes someone who they really are. What their childhood was like and what makes them act certain ways or show love in ways that are often time unrecognizable. That is exactly what these two books do.


"Her Mothers Hope" and "Her Daughters Dream" explore the complicated relationship between mother and daughter over several generations. The women of this story go through so much that at times you just want to cry with them as they face the harsh circumstances that life brings them. Ultimately each woman is forced to face her faulty but well meaning desire to help her daughter find her God given place in this world. Francine Rivers has written a wonderful story and as always her writing is completely captivating and life changing.  She has the ability to take you on a journey and somehow always teach you something about your relationship with others and most importantly your relationship with God. If you are looking for a good read and one that will get your heart and head engaged I can't recommend it enough! Happy reading!

Choosing to See

I recently read the book "Choosing to See" by Mary Beth Chapman and I have to say that I really enjoyed myself.  Mary Beth is the wife of Stephen Curtis Chapman and the book is simply the story of her life. I found the book very refreshing as it was very open and vulnerable as she shares not only her joys but also her struggles.  It was wonderful to read the testimony of someone who isn't afraid to share all of the hard stuff.  She speaks openly about her struggles with depression, the joys of motherhood and adoption as well as the sadness and struggles that came with losing their five year old daughter a few years ago. I would encourage anyone to read this book as I think that anyone can relate to her on some level as she shares her faith journey. 

As we are all walking our own faith journey filled with joys and sorrows it is nice to know that we are not alone in experiencing these moments along the way.  Choosing to See is a  reminded that we can go through these moments holding tight to our creator and the truth of his word.

Potato Peel Pie!

I recently finished a book for the book club I am a part of at my church.  We tend to read NY times best sellers and I have really enjoyed being apart of this group.  The book that we have just read is called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer.  This book was a good read and very different that many books that I have read. It is told entirely through letters. Juliet Ashton the main character receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins the tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name!  This book has a little bit of everything, history, romance, humor and literature! If you are looking for something fun and a bit different to read I say you should give a read!  I hope you enjoy!
PS: At the end of the book club meeting we made a potato peel pie just to try. While I reccomend the book, I do not recommend the pie!  It was not good at all! Kinda tastes like paste! I do have the recipe should you feel the need to try it out yourself!

Summer Reading

As everyone knows I am not the best reader and writer. I struggled for years as a child with the two subjects and only now as an adult have learned to enjoy reading as a pleasure activity. This summer I have read a few books but one stands out in particular. The women's ministry at my church does a book club/discussion four times a year and they try to pick books that are New York Times best sellers. This summers book was called "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." By Immaculee' Ilibagiza. It was a powerful book that both Joe and I read. I would encourage anyone to read this book. It is amazing to see how God works in this young woman's life and protects her from those who are trying to kill her. She spends 91 days in a tiny bathroom with 7 other women while they were being hunted during the 1994 genocide where over 1 million Tutsi men, women and children were killed. This is a powerful book and I hope that many of you take my advice and read this story. It was an amazing and powerful experience, God definitely used this story to remind me that I need to live in His truth and hide his word in my heart, not to mention a powerful reminder on the power of prayer. Happy reading!